Upcoming high school graduates in both Carbon and Emery counties are on the downside towards graduation and preparing the necessary paperwork to go to college.  Participants in the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) are fortunate to receive assistance as members of the program to lessen the worry and concerns that comes along with this process.

“For our seniors we are really focused on them applying for college,” said Director, Linda Hapsmith. “If they need to take the ACT test again, helping them prep and gear up for that, filling out their financial aid forms, if they haven’t already. So, we are really following up with our seniors.” Students are guided through this process by working closely with their high school advisors. They will receive simple instruction on the admission, scholarship and financial aid procedures for their college of choice.

Students that would like to be a part of the program can still apply. Interested students that would like to apply for the grant-based program may do so online. “Typically, if students have been underserved, who are not qualifying for other programs and you qualify for GEAR UP, we can help them with resources,” said Hapsmith. The application can be obtained by clinking on the following link  https://usueastern.edu/price/gearup/about/index.

Approval into the program will team students with high school advisors so they may begin making educational goals and college plans. “They work with the junior and seniors in those high schools and get them prepared for academic college,” explain Hapsmith. This is done through the various services within the program, such as academic tutoring, visits to colleges/universities, after-school programs. Services are not just limited to the student but they are offered to the family to help them understand the importance of their child’s education.

To learn more about through GEAR UP visit their Facebook page.